Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 June 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 June 2007. It was answered by Ian McCartney (Labour) on Monday, 25 June 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Western Sahara

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with her (a) Moroccan counterparts and (b) counterparts at the United Nations on the disputed area of Western Sahara; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not discussed the Western Sahara with her Moroccan or UN counterparts, but my hon. Friend the Minister for the Middle East (Dr. Howells), has discussed the issue with Moroccan ministers twice this year, in February and April, and UK officials in New York are in regular contact with the UN and representatives of the parties to the dispute.The UK regards the status of Western Sahara as undetermined, pending UN efforts to find a solution. To this end, the UK fully supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy to the Western Sahara, Peter Van Walsum, to assist the parties to achieve a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self determination of the people of Western Sahara.On 30 April the UN Security Council, chaired by the UK, adopted UN Security Council Resolution 1754, which took note of Morocco’s proposal presented to the UN Secretary-General on 11 April, and called for both sides to enter into negotiations without preconditions.The UK welcomes the first round of these talks between Morocco, the Polisario, and their neighbours, hosted by the UN on 18-19 June and the agreement by all parties to take part in a further round in August.

Secondary information